Export awards finalists

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Two Gisborne businesses have been nominated for the final stage of the nation's top export business awards.

Gisborne finalists and nominees in the New Zealand International Business Awards 2022 are Pultron, in the Excellence in Innovation category, and Toro Studios in the He kai kei aku ringa for Māori Excellence in Export. Sam Witters from Toro Studios is also nominated for the Inspiring Women Leaders award.

Winners across the 10 award categories, plus a Supreme Award chosen by judges, will be revealed on Thursday, October 27 at a gala awards dinner in Auckland.

The NZ International Business Awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise | Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE). They celebrate the success of New Zealand businesses on the world stage and recognise excellence and innovative practice.

“After all we've been through during the last few years, it's now more important than ever to acknowledge New Zealand businesses for their successes. Yes, many have struggled during the pandemic, however there are also inspiring stories of those who have innovated, pivoted and thrived,” convenor of judges David Downs says.

“Doing business internationally is never easy. Throw in Covid-19 disruptions, supply chain issues and rising costs: companies which have navigated all of this, and then some, deserve to be celebrated.

“The 2022 NZ International Business Awards are a great way to acknowledge these incredible achievements. It's also an opportunity to share valuable insights and perspectives from the entrants.

“We're genuinely privileged as judges to hear from these remarkable people and businesses. And the number of finalists in this year's awards — exceeding the record set for 2021 — is testament to the standards being set by exporters. They represent the hard work and the contribution that export businesses make to our economy and the communities we live in.”